San Antonio artist will still make Spurs-themed pizza boxes for Papa John’s

San Antonio artist Cruz Ortiz, shown in his studio in 2016, intends to continue designing special pizza boxes for the local franchise of the Papa John’s pizza chain.

San Antonio artist Cruz Ortiz, shown in his studio in 2016, intends to continue designing special pizza boxes for the local franchise of the Papa John’s pizza chain.

Photo: John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News

Photo: John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio artist Cruz Ortiz, shown in his studio in 2016, intends to continue designing special pizza boxes for the local franchise of the Papa John’s pizza chain.

San Antonio artist Cruz Ortiz, shown in his studio in 2016, intends to continue designing special pizza boxes for the local franchise of the Papa John’s pizza chain.

Photo: John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio artist will still make Spurs-themed pizza boxes for Papa John’s

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Artist Cruz Ortiz decried the language that prompted the founder of Papa John’s to resign earlier this week but said he will continue his relationship with the pizza chain.

Ortiz has designed special Spurs-themed boxes for Papa John’s since 2015.

A statement from Ortiz’ studio Snake Hawk Press read, “Our relationship with Papa John's has not changed because we conduct business with the owner of the local franchise, Clark Mandigo, who is a wonderful community asset and is constantly giving his time and earnings to the betterment of his employees and city.

“Cruz Ortiz is involved in the design for his love of the Spurs and his understanding of community. Considering Cruz Ortiz's and Snake Hawk Press’ social commitment to breaking down injustices and biases, we along with the rest of the world are in disbelief that so many feel emboldened to use hate rhetoric.”

John Schnatter, the founder of the chain, resigned Thursday as chairman of the board after it was revealed that he had used a racial slur during a May conference call.